Welcome To Penn State!

Our office aims to provide you and your family with programs and services that support your successful academic, social, and personal transition to, and through, the University. Let's get started!

New Student Orientation

All new first-year students to Penn State must participate in New Student Orientation (NSO). At NSO, you will meet with faculty and staff, begin to develop goals for your time at Penn State, learn about campus resources, and schedule courses for your first semester. NSO is a four step process:

Take your ALEKS Math Assessment

Make your Reservation to Attend NSO

Do your Pre-NSO Homework

Attend New Student Orientation

You will use your Penn State Access Account (e.g., abc5123) to access each of the steps listed above. Information about New Student Orientation for students beginning at Penn State in summer and fall 2018 will be available in March.

Welcome Week at University Park

Welcome Week occurs at the beginning of each semester (summer, fall, and spring) and is full of activities to help get to know your new Penn State University Park home, including: the President's New Student Convocation, College Dean's Meetings, residence hall events, Involvement Fairs, days of service, and more. Many of the activities held during Welcome Week are required for all new students including first-year, change-of-campus, and transfer students.

Change-of-Campus Welcome

The Change-of-Campus Welcome program takes place the Sunday before classes begin. The program offers you an opportunity to learn about the classroom environment, continuing your involvement, academic advising, navigating the campus, the CATA Bus system, and much more. You will also meet current University Park students to hear about their transition experiences from commonwealth campuses. Visit changeofcampus.psu.edu for more details about the program.